The newly constituted Ionia County Board of Commissioners held its first “organizational meeting” Tuesday afternoon.

Joined by two new commissioners, Brenda Cowling-Cronk of Ionia (representing District #4) and Scott Wirtz of Fenwick (representing District #5), the board selected Julie Calley of Portland to serve as chairperson for 2013, replacing outgoing chairperson Jack Shattuck. James Banks of Lake Odessa was selected to serve as vice chairperson.

After some discussion about changing the meeting times to earlier in the day to reduce expenses in courthouse security as proposed by County Administrator Stephanie Hurlbut, the board decided to leave the times as they are: twice a month at 4 p.m. and once a month at 7 p.m.

“It’s important to have at least one time the public can come (after the work day ends),” said Banks.

The board of commissioners then turned its attention to board rules and bylaws, reviewing and approving some changes suggested by the county’s legal counsel, Peter Cohl, in order to be consistent with Michigan statutes; and amending before approving others. The sections affected included special meetings called by a chairperson, emergency meetings, change in schedule, quorum, grievance hearing committee composition, votes required and abstaining from voting.

The board also made appointments to standing committees, boards and commissions, as well as appointing or reappointing department heads.

In new business, the board approved a resolution to move forward with next steps in establishing an inland lake level for Ranney Lake in Otisco Township, as petitioned for by the lake’s residents. The board authorized Drain Commissioner John Bush to institute proceedings in Ionia County Circuit Court. The cost of the project will be defrayed by special assessments against the property owners.

The board also approved a five-year software support maintenance agreement for a record management system used by the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office and the Ionia County Jail. The program also supplies information to several local law enforcement agencies. The cost for the agreement is $35,999, with a 3 percent increase per year through 2017.